THE heartbroken family of a Barrhead man who suddenly died last week have channelled their grief into fundraising action.

Steven Ingram was reported missing after he vanished from his home in East Renfrewshire on Monday, October 7.

A major search operation was launched to find him. However, two days later, Mr Ingram’s body was found by police in the Barrhead area. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the 21-year-old, who leaves behind his mother Karen, father Dougie and brothers Mark and Ross.

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Mrs Ingram said the family is “completely heartbroken” by her son’s tragic death as hundreds of friends and relatives took to social media to pay their respects.

She said: “Dougie, Mark, Ross and myself would like to thank everyone who helped look for Steven and for all the beautiful messages and kind words on our unbelievably sad loss. We are completely heartbroken that Steven is gone but hope that he is now at peace.”

In the days since his death, the family has started a fundraising drive in memory of Mr Ingram to support the treatment of young patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

They are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for PAWS GIST (Paediatric Adolescent Wild-type and Syndromic GIST), a charitable initiative run by GIST Support UK. The specialist group provides support to those diagnosed with the rare form of cancer and aims to improve treatments.

In a plea for donations, Mrs Ingram said: “Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate £5 or £500. Every little bit helps.”

So far, the campaign has already raised close to £2,000, thanks to the donations of almost 100 supporters.

Among those paying tribute to Mr Ingram were Barrhead Youth Football Club (BYFC).

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A spokesperson for BYFC said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Steven this morning. Our thoughts are with Dougie, Karen, Mark and Ross at this sad time, as well as any friends and family.
“All of the Ingrams have been a huge part of the BYFC family and we, as a family, will support them.”

The death of Mr Ingram adds to what has been a difficult year for the football club which also saw former player Anton Houghton pass away in April at the age of 21.

Inspector Stevie Gow, of Police Scotland, said: “Our thoughts are with Steven’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Thank you to everyone who shared our earlier appeal for information and assisted with enquiries.”